Amtrak assumed operation of the San
Diegan Route (now Pacific Surfliner) in May, 1971. With more
than 1.5 million passengers taking the route, it
is the second most heavily traveled Amtrak
route in the nation.

At the time of its construction, Santa Ana
Station was the largest new station
constructed in the nation since the New Orleans
passenger terminal was completed during the 1950s.